Summary: Salvation begins new life, and this freshness isn’t always easy, so we will learn to live in Christ. This word really blessed our church!

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

The work of the ministry is spiritual warfare with spiritual enemies, and for spiritual purposes. Outward force is not the method of the gospel, but having strong knowledge of God’s word and applying it-will undo Satan’s stronghold while feeding your inner man! Paul admits he is mortal, but he does not fight or war with mere physical weapons. Paul is referring to warfare in the mind, against arrogant, rebellious ideas and attitudes. Pulling every high thing (pride) down. Our aim is to bring every disobedient thought into obedience to Christ! Don’t be taken by surprise; the battle begins the second your feet hit the floor every morning!

Paul writes in Romans 7:19 For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice.

What’s happening? Your flesh is at war with your Spirit, seducing you into relaxing your defenses. The moment you do it’ll “nail you.” It’ll whisper, “Go ahead, its no big deal; everybody does it. Who’ll know anyway?

Galatians 5:16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.

How do you know the difference in the flesh and the Spirit? The Spirit always prompts you through the knowledge of God’s word. It leads you to greater love, peace and joy. (Fruit)

Psalm 25:14 The secret of the LORD is with those who fear Him, and He will show them His covenant.

A thought entertained, a deed done, a habit reinforced will either bring greater faith and fruit, or those deeds, thoughts, habits-will bring destruction!

Proverbs 18:14 AMP The strong spirit of a man sustains him in bodily pain or trouble, but a weak and broken spirit who can raise up or bear?

So how do I become strong in Spirit? By reading, meditating on, and obeying God’s word- instead of doing what comes natural!

You’ve been programmed from birth to walk in the flesh. Now you’re learning to walk in the Spirit with a new set of values, new friends, new habits, new priorities, new power, and new management.

Notice verse 14 of Proverbs 18 The strong spirit of a man sustains him in trouble… (Your new birth began a new battle; if you’re to win you must learn to live in “War-mode!”)

Sometimes war mode is forceful, and other times it’s resting and soaking in God’s provisions!

We do not automatically have “a strong spirit.” No, your Spirit is like your body-it must be nourished!

There are several ways you build up your spirit: #1. Through devotions. (Do what your taught.)

God’s word keeps you feed Spiritually, Jeremiah 15:16 When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, O LORD God Almighty. It keeps you strong in temptation, Psalm 119:9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. It keeps you mentally sharp. David said, Psalm 119:130 “The entrance of Your words gives understanding”

Through prayer you commit your life to God! John Bunyan said, “ You can do more than pray after you’ve prayed, but you can’t do more than pray until you’ve prayed.” Think about that!

#3. Worship. This is a time to linger-to love on God. Break through comes, revelation, new joy, insight and so much more!

#4. Time. Your time is precious. Saying no, to certain things and pushing things-even love ones back on behalf of God touches His heart!

Genesis 8:22 “While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, Cold and heat, winter and summer, and day and night shall not cease.”

Ecclesiastes 3:1-4 To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven: 2 A time to be born, And a time to die; A time to plant, And a time to pluck what is planted; 3 A time to kill, And a time to heal; A time to break down, And a time to build up; 4 A time to weep, And a time to laugh; A time to mourn, And a time to dance;